Skyrim had its fair share of teething problems when it got released last year, but PS3 gamers probably had the worst time of it. However, Bethesda has been hard at work on bug fixing and updates, and the 1.4 update is hotly anticipated. Not only will 1.4 bring bug fixes and optimizations, it also sees the release of the promised Creation Kit and Steam Workshop for modders.

The Creation Kit is top of the most-wanted list by Skyrim owners because it allows access to the same development tools Bethesda used to create the game. On release, it should see the modding community burst into action and extend the gameplay on offer well beyond what Bethesda shipped. That’s not to say modders haven’t been active over the past few months.

The Steam Workshop release is also highly desirable as it allows players to find and install community mods easily.

The good news is, the 1.4 update is now available, but you use it at your own risk. That’s because Bethesda has taken the decision to release it in Beta form through Steam. In other words, it isn’t guaranteed to work perfectly, and could eat your save games or crash your computer. Deciding to install it definitely requires a backup of your game data first.

If you want to take the risk, then load up Steam, select Settings, and in the Account tab change your Beta Participation to include Skyrim Beta. Restarting Steam should see the Beta version of the 1.4 update download and install. If the Beta doesn’t work for you, just go back into your Steam settings and opt out. Another restart will see Skyrim revert back to a non-Beta patch state.

As well as the modding and discovery tools, 1.4 brings with it a long list of bug and quest fixes. The full list of what those fixes include can be viewed here.